WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – A strong first set could not be replicated by the Hood College men's volleyball team, as the Blazers were swept by Wilkes University 3-0 on the road.
Set Scores
The Colonels won 25-22, 25-16, 25-13.
Inside the Box Score
Charles Casas (Rehoboth Beach, Del./Cape Henlopen High School) led the Blazers with 14 kills and two aces on the evening.
Gael Bravo (Lanham, Md./Bowie High School) finished with 19 assists and 10 digs, the most out of the team.
Dan Blanchfield (Cambridge, N.Y./Cambridge Central) ended the evening with two total blocks.
How it Happened
The first set came down to the wire, as neither team could find a groove offensively until Wilkes, with the score tied 8-8, went on a 5-point run to take the first significant lead of the game. Hood did not back down though, staying close enough behind them to keep it competitive as an ace from Casas took it to a 24-22 deficit for the Blazers. The Colonels got back-to-back points to put Hood on the brink though, and despite getting the next two points, the Blazers could not get enough to force extra rallies as
Wilkes took an early 1-0 lead.
Both squads played the second set similar to the first, trading points while trying to find some offense in the first half. With Hood holding a 10-8 lead, the Colonels came out with another 5-0 run to regain the advantage. The Blazers stayed with them for a while, but with the score reading 18-15, Wilkes heated up to go on a 7-1 run to set themselves up for a sweep with a 2-0 match lead.
As Hood looked to extend the match, the Colonels started the third set on a 5-2 run, with the Blazers nearly catching up to make it a 6-5 game. Unfortunately, a third 5-0 run in as many sets would give Wilkes a sizable advantage they would not relinquish, ultimately taking the third set and completing the sweep of Hood.
For the Opponent
Lucas Mages led the Colonels with eight kills.
Paul Binner totaled eight blocks in the match.
Up Next
The Blazers stay in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania for a tri-match with Kings and Drew Saturday, March 23 at 12 and 2 p.m.
